Thursday, July 16, 2009

A pandemic (from Greek pan all + demos people) is an epidemic of infectious disease that spreads through populations across a large region; for instance a continent, or even worldwide.

Davao City, Philippines - 6 more students tested positive for A(H1N1) flu virus, so far affected school are San pedro College, STI, hOLY Cross of Davao suspended classes for 10 days, Ateneo de davao university take action to prevent this virus spread.

The new confirmed affected students are now under quarantine by DOH

Despite the increase, There was no AH1N1 outbreak in the city Swine flu "not a cause for alarm."

Emphasize early and appropriate health seeking behavior to the general public as we prepare for the increase in flue cases during rainy days. For those with mild symptoms, stay at home, take supportive treatment, vitamins and plenty of rest. Immediately see a doctor if you have pre- existing conditions plus flu symptoms said DOH.

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

If you get sick, Doctors recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Friday, July 3, 2009

The cause of Jackson's death has not been determined. Autopsy results are not expected for several weeks. Weeks before his death He was known have suffered from severe insomnia, H ew was pleaded for Diprivan amid the stress of preparing for a massive series of comeback concerts. Friday that Dipivan had been found at Jackson's house the nurse working with him said she did everything to warn him againts it. Diprivan has a milky appearances, sometimes nicknamed "milk of amnesia." Doctors said Diprivan can trigger an irreversable chain of events leading to heart disfunction and death, although it was not clear the drugs to blame. Authorities are investigating allegations that Jackson had been consuming painkillers, sedatives, and antidepressants. Charges would depend on wether Jackson had been overly prescribed medications, given drugs inappropriate for his needs, or if knowingly prescribed medications by his doctor under an assumed name. The Doctor is not a suspect according to Jackson's Doctor attorney. In earlier interview in the tv news, the doctor said he never gave or prescribed Jacksons painkillers Demoral or OxyContin, and denied reports suggesting that the doctor gave the pop star drugs contributed to his death.

MaSSIVE demands for Michael Jackson memorial tickets. Fans from around the world applied for free tickets to Jackson's memorial services . Tickets to Jackson's memorial service will be free. They can be obtained by registering at Staplescenter.com. There will be 11,000 tickets for seats inside Staples Center and 6,500 for seats in the adjacent Nokia Theatre, where fans can watch a simulcast. On Saturday night, 8,750 names will be randomly selected to receive two tickets each.

Monday, April 27, 2009

The speaker talks about "Emotions" How to understand, identify and release our emotions.What are Emotions - feelings? I learned that Different people define emotions in different ways. Emotions operate on many levels "Physical aspect as well as psychological aspect.

How to deal our emotions?

* We must accept our emotions. are essential for your survival mechanism. People who ignore, dismiss, repress or just ventilate their emotions are setting themselves up for physical illness. Emotions that are not not felt and released but buried within the body or in the aura can cause serious illness, including cancer and many types of chronic illnesses.

* Experience your emotions fully. Pay attention and remedy the underlying cause. Emotions are our most reliable indicators of how things are going on in our lives. Emotions help keep us on the right track by making sure that we are led by more than the mental/ intellectual faculties of thought, perception, reason, memory.”

* Keep yourself in good health. exercise, relaxation and proper diet is a great asset in dealing with your negative emotions such as depression and anxiety.

* Stay in the present, here and now. our pre-occupation with past and future keep us in a state of emotional turmoil, focused on the present.

* Develop trust and seek the help of an expert. May help you release the emotions associated with your past and overcome negative emotions such as fear, worry and anxiety.

* Acquire knowledge and become a master of your emotions. Play with your emotions conciously and deliberately. Other People, Places, and Things Cannot Change How You Feel The only person who can change what you feel is you.

*Examine the beliefs underlying your emotions and question their validity.

Monday, April 20, 2009

"R & R" Outing Sunday, April 19, 2009. Before the day on the said outing we are very excited to go the place called Bali-Bali, Samal Island Davao. We expected so much that the place was one the most beautiful spot here in davao but when you see the beach it needs improvement. The place was not that bad, there's a lot of nice views you will see.

The infinity pool=10 not all of my companion able to swim on the pool. The swimming pool cost P 250/person & you should wear the required official bathing suits like swim suit/ swim trunks.

We had so much fun while playing parlor games, seeing the whole place instead of just set there watching or swimming on the beach.

We just enjoy the day and enjoy the food we eat that they serve for us.

Its my most unforgettable and embarrassing outing in my life because for the first time I feel very humiliated to hear a very unkind words. Whatever it is all the group knows and heard it, its a misunderstanding between the terms and conditions with the package we avail.

TO ALL who planned for an outing please ask the terms and conditions of the place before you say ok so that you will enjoy the moment without regrets.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Thousand of commuters in Davao city especially students who has scheduled final exam were stranded today as public transport operators went on strike "Jeepney drivers to protest new fines".

We public commuters ride through Jeepney or multicab on our way to school and offices. Its less expensive than riding a taxi.

Jeepney drivers will protest the increase in traffic violation fees implemented by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Traffic Management Center (TMC) chief Celso Gempesaw said the strike will only be citywide. Speaking on the increase of penalties imposed recently by LTO-Southern Mindanao, Gempesaw said he is not against the increase, but that it is beyond the expectation of drivers. (although I think it was overdone and the implementation was sudden. The drivers were surprised because the increases were more than 300 percent). He also said drivers should look at the measure as a challenge for them not to commit violations.

Based on the new penalty scheme, a person driving under the influence of drugs will be fined P10,000 and his driver's license possibly getting revoked. Driving under the influence of liquor gets a P5,000 fine.

The new order also imposes higher penalties for the following violations:

* Driving without license, P1,500* Driving with an expired license, P400* Failure to carry a license, P200* Possessing a fake driver's license, P2,000* Conviction of a crime using a motor vehicle, P3,000

For operating or driving an unregistered or improperly registered vehicle, a fine of P2,000 will be imposed on the driver if he uses the vehicle without the knowledge and consent of the owner. If the driver is also the owner of the vehicle, he will have to pay P4,000.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Everyone of us has different purposes in life, has different Gifts and blessings in life, has different characteristics and talents. Lets learn to live a fantastic life and start your day right, everyday.

God knows what we're doing. That is enough

To see greater things happen in our life, follow Jesus with all your might.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

"Reality leaves a lot to the imagination." -- John Lennon"Keep a good heart. That's the most important thing in life. It's not how much money you make or what you can acquire. The art of it is to keep a good heart."--- Joni Mitchell"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sypathethic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of those." --- George Washington Carver

Monday is the first day of the week "a day of the beginning". I have to get up early in bed and prepare for today's task in my life and to my Job as well. I have to report to the office on time. There’s a saying that if you come to work on time you are considered late …why? we should come to work ten minutes before the time so that we can have time for ourselves to do a better Job for the day and rest of the task given by our superior or by our head office.

One of Graduating students school year 2008-2009 said that maybe he cannot get a job immediately after graduation even thought he graduated in one of the famous and most outstanding university in the city of Davao Philippines. Some are not afraid and very confident because of their families influence.

They hoped for a better future and success that this world can survive from any loses and difficulties in life and in the country in order to help in the society.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

I want to share this letter from God to all of us; after reading this letter I pray that He will encourage me to do what is right and asked for her protection to my family, my country, and to the whole world. I receive this letter from my SFC community leaders.

God's Love Letter For You

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know Everything about you...Psalm 139:1I know when you sit down and when you rise up...Psalm 139:2I am familiar with all your ways... Psalm 139:3Even the very hairs on your head are numbered... Mathew 10:29-31For you were made in my image... Genesis 1:27And me you live and move and have your being... Acts 17:28For you are my offspring... Acts 17:28I knew you even before you were conceived ... Jeremiah 1: 4-5I chose you when I planned creation... Ephesians 1: 11-12You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book... Psalm 139:15-16I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live... Acts 17:26You are fearfully and wonderfully made... Psalm 139:14I knit you together in my mother's womb... Psalm 139:13And brought you forth on the day you were born... Psalm 71:6I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me...John 8:41-44I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love... 1 John 4:16And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ... 1 John 3:1Simply because you are my child and I am your father... 1 John 3:1I offer you more than your earthly father ever could... Mathew 7:11For I am the perfect father ...Mathew 5:48Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand... James 1:17For I am your provider and I meet all your needs... Mathew 6:31-33My plan for your future has always been filled with hope... Jeremiah 29:11Because I love you with an everlasting Love... Jeremiah 31:3My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore...Psalms 139:17-18And I rejoice over you with singing...Zephaniah 3:17I will never stop doing good to you... Jeremiah 32:40For you are my treasured possession... Exodus 19:5I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul...Jeremiah 32:41And want to show you great and marvelous things... Jeremiah 33:3If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me... Deuteronomy 4:29Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart...Psalm 37:4For it is I who gave you those desires... Philippians 2:13I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine... Ephesians 3:20For I am your greatest encourager...2 Thessalonians 2:16-17I am also the father who comforts you in all your troubles...2Corinthians 1:3-4When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you... Psalm 34:18As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart... Isaiah 40:11One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes...Revelation 21:3-4And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth...Revelation 21:3-4I am your father, and I love you even as I love my Son Jesus...John 17:23For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed...John 17:26He is the exact representation of my being... Hebrews 1:3He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you...Romans 8:31And to tell you that I am not counting your sins...2 Corinthians 5:18-19Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled...2 Corinthians 5:18-19His death was ultimate expression of my love for you... 1 John 4:10I give up everything I loved that I might gain your love...Romans 8:31-32If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me... 1 John 2:23And nothing will ever separate you from my love again... Romans 8:38-39Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen...Luke 15:7I have always been father, and will always be father... Ephesians 3:14-15My question is... Will you be my Child?...John 1: 12-13I am waiting for you...Luke 15:11-32

Monday, February 9, 2009

Despite the current global recession, outsourcing presents a "time of opportunity" for the country, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said at the opening of the eServices conference in Pasay city.

"BPO (business process outsourcing) continues to boom as global outsourcing is now aimed towards more cost-cutting," "In 2001, we recorded 4,000 workers (in BPO). Now we have exceeded 400,000," she said.

Her speech focused on her administration's gains in growing the outsourcing industry into a billion-dollar industry.

In fostering growth, she said the country must focus on these areas: encouraging the building of telecom infrastructure to lower cost of connectivity, creating a legal environment in the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) and harnessing human capital to address the sector's requirements.

She also stressed the need to expand of the "Cyber corridor" project and the creation of more "next wave cities" that target outsourcing investments.

"BPO is key economic driver and continues to create jobs and drive investments for the country," she said.

Early this year, the Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP), the biggest organization of outsourcing providers in the Philippines, indicated that it was expecting a "cautious" growth of 35 percent for 2009. By 2010, the organization said the outsourcing industry will earn about $12 billion to $13 billion.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald and starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button tells the story of a man who ages in reverse and serves as a reflection of life, death and all the things people experience—and perhaps take for granted—in between.

Awards: Art Director Visual effect Makeup

Frost/Nixon

Based on the play by Peter Morgan, Frost/Nixon tells the story of the 1977 interviews between British TV journalist David Frost and former President Richard Nixon. During these interviews, which took place not long after Nixon resigned, the former president admitted for the first time that he let down the American people

Milk

Milk takes a closer look at the life of late politician Harvey Milk, a gay rights activist and the first self-identified gay man to be elected to public office in California. A member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Harvey and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were assassinated by a former colleague in 1977.

Staring Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes, The Reader tells the story of law student Michael Berg, who in his teenage years has an illicit affair with an older woman. Years later during a war crimes trial, the woman is revealed to have been a Nazi prison guard who harbors a secret only Michael knows.

Filmed in India, Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of a young man who grew up in the slums of Mumbai and makes his way to a successful turn on a televised game show. Questioned by authorities for his extensive knowledge in spite of growing up in poverty, the young man is forced to explain his past. The movie took home the Golden Globe® this year for Best Dramatic Picture.

* Warn your children about potentially dangerous people who may try to befriend them online. * Keep the computer in a public space in your house, not your child's bedroom. * Don't allow children to use a screen name profile or to give out personal information online. * Use parental controls provided by your service provider or blocking software. * Monitor all chat room usage. * Insist children never agree to meet someone they've met online without your permission.

Types of Children Sexual Predators Target and Prey Upon

* Children with lower self-esteem * Children who divulge too much personal information online * Children who frequent chat rooms * Children willing to engage in online conversations about sex

Signs Your Child Might Be at Risk Online

* Your child spends large amounts of time online, especially at night. * You find pornography on your child's computer. * Your child receives phone calls from people you don't know or is making calls to numbers you don't recognize. * Your child turns the computer off or quickly changes the screen on the monitor when you come into the room. * Your child becomes withdrawn from the family. Offenders try to drive wedges between a child and their family, trying to accentuate any minor problems at home a child may have. * Your child is using an online account belonging to someone else. Sex offenders will sometimes provide potential victims with a computer account for communications with them.

If Your Child Is Approached by an Online PredatorWrite down as much information as possible—including the screen name or e-mail address of the person who contacted the child, the URL of the chat room and the date and time of contact. Report the incident to the local police department or FBI.In addition, you can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's cyber tipline at 800-THE-LOST. This tipline collects leads from individuals reporting the sexual exploitation of children.

Singing sensation Charice Pempengco performs "I Will Always Love You" live on UK TV show "The Paul O'Grady Show", aired 8th April 2008, Duet with Celine Dion and more...She even sing and perform live @ Ellen Degenereses and The Oprah Winfrey show."Oprah says there's nothing more fun than helping to make someone's dreams come true…especially when that someone is a gifted young person who really wants it and really deserves it."

She was 4 yrs old then when her mom discovered her talent for the first time. A few years later, Charice entered a singing contest "she signed up for more than 80 contests and won $50, she was, like, 'okay, we're going to have some food for one month, and very happy" , Some people were saying that I'm not good enough and I' m not pretty," she says. "I just wanted to prove that they're wrong."

Charice Pempengco's dream of becoming a singer began halfway around the world in the Philippines. She found a following on the Internet after a stranger posted her jaw-dropping performances on YouTube. Millions of viewers were moved by Charice's powerful voice—including Gayle King. "That evening Gayle called me," Oprah says. "She said she fell off her treadmill when she heard that girl." Oprah says the performance blew her Manolos off!

Charice's voice wasn't the only thing that impressed Oprah. "One of the things I love most about Charice is that no matter what obstacles she's faced in her life, she's never given up on her dream of something better," Oprah says.

Charice Can now say her dreams are beginning to come true, starting with an introduction to one of the most famous names of music business. Instead of flying back to the Philippines after her appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Producers pulled Charice off the plane and brought her back to Harpo studios. Then Oprah called legendary producer David Foster to see what the starmaker could do for Charice.

UNDERGOING training and being assisted to find new job placements is not as easy as National Government declarations make it sound, with re-employment reaching a low of 15 percent.

This was the data showed by the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) in Southern Mindanao. The Dole report said at least three companies in the region have already laid off workers, hired another one, or have entered into a flexible work arrangement.

I read from sun star davao magazine today More than 200 workers in the region were retrenched while 40 or more Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW's) have lost their jobs abroad.

The firm Apex Mining, operating in Compostela Valley, SinoPhil, also a mining firm which operates in Mati, Davao Oriental,On the business process outsourcing (BPO) front, Sutherland, which operates in Davao City has reportedly retrenched workers and some laid off , has while the food product company, UFC Philippines, has engaged 41 of its workers in a compressed workweek scheme.

The labor department has also provided interventions for the displaced workers.

In the case of Apex Mining, the laid off workers were facilitated to be employed in Semirara Mining. Of the 19 people who applied for jobs, only five people were hired by the mining firm based in Antique province.

On the other hand, Sutherland rehired two of its displaced employees, while 34 others were retrained for non-voice positions in same company.

Dole assured it will provide trainings and self-employment seminars for the displaced workers.

Directions:1.In a mixing bowl place all dry ingredients except the cheese and blend well.2. Add eggs and mix thoroughly. Gradually add water until homogeneous.3. Add the melted butter & vanilla and mix well.4. Place enough amount of batter in a paper lined puto moulder and steam for 10-15 minutes.5. Sprinkle grated or thinly sliced cheese on top and steam for 1 minute or until cheese melts.

2. Heat oil in a big saucepan or casserole. Saute garlic. Add onions, chili pepper and tomatoes. Stir until onions are transparent and tomatoes start to crumble.3. Add 1 liter of water and salt or patis. Add taro. Bring to a boil. Simmer until taro is almost tender.4. Add the eggplant and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour in the sinigang mix / add tamarind/eva . Next, add the fish and simmer for 5-10 minutes, depending on how big your fish pieces are. Add kangkong and kamote tops. Simmer for another minute then remove from heat and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve immediately.

My Journey with God started in 2006 when I finished a Christian Life Program in St. Paul Church, Matina Davao City. When I became a member of CFC- Singles for Christ, I become active @ 28, I was challenged to seek who is Jesus Christ really was in my Life. I wanted to serve Him and my prayer then on was for God to give me a chance to become one of her disciple in my family and in the community. God Immediately answered my prayer. I serve Him through this community and helped my family By Gods grace, I was given many opportunities to share His goodness in my life, using myself as His witness to the SFC.

I know that it is a continues journey of discovering my God. My prayer is that God will continue to unravel His ultimate plan for me, I dream of a world that is prosperous and abundant; where no is in need. I know that things will not be easy but I am sure that God will strengthen me and use me powerfully this dream to reality.

I thank the CFC-SFC community, friends and family who overwhelmed us with their prayers, their love and support. Most of all I praise and thank God for this new life he has given us. I especially thank Him for the angels he sent to guide and protect us.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Stress hits you when your life is out of balance Even though it's unlikely that any of us can completely eliminate stress from our lives, there are a few simple things you can do to manage the stress in your life and control it once and for all, better managing your life so that you're not overwhelmed by stress. "If your home doesn't give you the peace and sense of focus you need, then you will definitely be stressed. Declutter and organize your personal spaces so that the home you have reflects the life you want."

Be Calmsetting aside 10 to 20 minutes a day to just sit, breathe deeply and relax. "Some call this timeout, some call it 'me time' and others call it meditation," . "What you call this time doesn't matter—what matters is that you schedule a time each day to simply stop, calm down and relax. It'll yield huge results."

Treat Yourself Well

If you're not in good shape, it's a lot easier for situations to bother you. "Eat well, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, have a healthy sex life, laugh a lot, cultivate friendships—all of these things show that you value and take care of yourself," "It's tougher to upset a happy, balanced person. Make yourself that person!"

Have a Plan

A huge aspect of getting—and staying—organized is having a clear vision of the life you want, "Knowing what you're having for dinner, how much money you have to spend, what your commitments are for the next week and where to find things that you need will all reduce the stress in your life," "Making a plan means you care about yourself and your family."

Get rid of Overwhelming feelings

Clutter and lack of organization can be paralyzing, as can stress. When there's too much going on, you just feel overwhelmed. Try sharing the burden of feeling overwhelmed by enlisting the help and support of friends, family or even a trained professional to help you deal with the clutter in your home and the stress in your life.

LAUGH AND be Happy

Step back and get a broad perspective on your life and your problems, Life is for living, when it all gets too much to deal with, you can easily lose the sense of fun and excitement and pleasure that we should all have from our lives. Stress, like clutter, robs us of a sense of peace and calm.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Low Carb (e.g., Atkins)Advises lots of protein, mostly in the form of meat at every meal, and restricts carbohydrates. Thirty percent of your calories will come from protein, 50 percent from fat, and about 20 percent from carbs, especially good ones like veggies and fruit.

Strawberry Low Fat (e.g., Weight Watchers)Emphasizes grains, fruits, and vegetables and allows modest servings of meat. Portion control is key. About 50 percent of your calories will come from carbohydrates, 30 percent from fat, and 20 percent from protein.

Mediterranean diet Prescribes grains, vegetables, and sources of healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts. About 45 percent of your calories on this plan will come from carbohydrates, 35 percent from fat, and 20 percent from protein.

The details:The women actually lost more pounds on the Mediterranean approach, but the finding wasn't conclusive. As is true in most diet studies, weight loss peaked at around six months, after which dieters began to put pounds back on. All groups saw improvements in cholesterol, insulin, glucose, triglyceride, and blood pressure levels.

2: Low Carb vs. Low Fat vs. Zone vs. OrnishThe details: These dieters also saw their heart disease risk factors—blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride levels—plummet at least as much as they did for people on the heart-healthy low-fat and Ornish diets. Again, most of the pounds were shed in the first six months, with many people gaining back some weight. By the end, in fact, many had stopped following their prescribed diets closely.

3:Low Fat vs. ExerciseThe details: a group of dieters followed a low-fat plan, while exercisers stuck to their usual eating patterns and worked out at least three days a week for 50 to 60 minutes at a gym. Though the dieters shed more pounds, some of the loss was in the form of calorie-burning muscle (the exercisers kept their muscle mass). As the researchers point out, muscle is key to helping dieters maintain weight loss. The results demonstrate the need to combine exercise and dieting.

And the Winners Are…

Low Carb and Exercise

A low-carb diet consistently produced the greatest weight loss, so this plan—combined with exercise—seems to be a good place to start. "I'm a proponent of that approach if it means you'll eat fewer junky carbs," says Christopher Gardner, PhD, associate professor of medicine at Stanford University and lead author of the study in Match 2 (above). But Gardner says dieters may need to try more than one plan before they find success. "We are all so different—a diet that works for me may not work for you," he says. Although low carb won in terms of average weight loss, each diet had a few adherents who managed to lose 30 to 40 pounds. "What's more important than diet type is how closely you can adhere to it," says Gardner.

The truth is, says Meir Stampfer, MD, of the Harvard School of Public Health and an author of the Match 1 study, "there is more than one way to go for weight loss, so don't get discouraged."

Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in you. Father, I send up a prayer request for blessings for not only the person who sent this to me, but for me and all that I have forwarded this message on to. And that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in you is more powerful than anything. I thank you in advance for your blessings.Father God, deliver the person reading this right now from debt and debt's burdens. Release Your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that You have given me Father, for I know how wonderful and mighty You are and how if we just obey You and walk In Your word and have the faith of a mustard seed that You will pour out blessings. I thank You now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come because I know You are not done with me yet. In Jesus' name, I pray..

Friday, January 23, 2009

President Barack Obama struck down the BUSH administration's ban on giving federal money to international groups that perform abortions or provide abortion information — an inflammatory policy that has bounced in and out of law for the past quarter-century.

Obama's move, the latest in an aggressive first week reversing contentious Bush policies, was warmly welcomed by liberal groups and denounced by abortion rights foes.

The ban has been a political football between Democratic and Republican administrations since GOP President Ronald Reagan first adopted it 1984. Democrat Bill Clinton ended the ban in 1993, but Republican George W. Bush re-instituted it in 2001 as one of his first acts in office.

"For too long, international family planning assistance has been used as a political wedge issue, the subject of a back and forth debate that has served only to divide us," Obama said in a statement released by the White House. "I have no desire to continue this stale and fruitless debate."

He said the ban was unnecessarily broad and undermined family planning in developing countries.

"In the coming weeks, my administration will initiate a fresh conversation on family planning, working to find areas of common ground to best meet the needs of women and families at home and around the world," the president said.

Obama issued the presidential memorandum rescinding the Bush policy without coverage by the media, late Friday afternoon. The abortion measure is a highly emotional one for many people, and the quiet signing was in contrast to the televised coverage of Obama's announcement Wednesday on ethics rules and Thursday's signing of orders on closing the Guantanamo Bay prison camp and banning torture in the questioning of terror suspects.

His action came one day after the 36th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion.

The Bush policy had banned U.S. taxpayer money, usually in the form of Agency for International Development funds, from going to international family planning groups that either offer abortions or provide information, counseling or referrals about abortion as a family planning method.

Critics have long held that the rule unfairly discriminates against the world's poor by denying U.S. aid to groups that may be involved in abortion but also work on other aspects of reproductive health care and HIV/AIDS, leading to the closure of free and low-cost rural clinics.

Supporters of the ban say that the United States still provides millions of dollars in family planning assistance around the world and that the rule prevents anti-abortion taxpayers from backing something they believe is morally wrong.

The ban has been known as the "Mexico City policy" for the city a U.S. delegation first announced it at a U.N. International Conference on Population.

Both Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who will oversee foreign aid, had promised to do away with the rule during the presidential campaign.

Clinton said Friday evening that for seven years Bush's policy made it more difficult for women around the world to gain access to essential information and health care services. "Rather than limiting women's ability to receive reproductive health services, we should be supporting programs that help women and their partners make decisions to ensure their health and the health of their families," Clinton said.

In a related move, Obama also said he would restore funding to the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA). Both he and Clinton had pledged to reverse a Bush administration determination that assistance to the organization violated U.S. law known as the Kemp-Kasten amendment.

Obama, in his statement, said he looked forward to working with Congress to fulfill that promise: "By resuming funding to UNFPA, the U.S. will be joining 180 other donor nations working collaboratively to reduce poverty, improve the health of women and children, prevent HIV/AIDS and provide family planning assistance to women in 154 countries."

Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, executive director of the U.N. Population Fund, said: "The president's actions send a strong message about his leadership and his desire to support causes that will promote peace and dignity, equality for women and girls and economic development in the poorest regions of the world."

"We are confident that under the new president's direction, the U.S. will resume its leadership in promoting and protecting women's reproductive health and rights worldwide," Obaid said in a statement issued at U.N. headquarters in New York.

The Bush administration had barred U.S. money from the fund, contending that its work in China supported a Chinese family planning policy of coercive abortion and involuntary sterilization. UNFPA has vehemently denied that it does.

Congress had appropriated $40 million to the UNFPA in the past budget year, but the administration had withheld the money as it had done every year since 2002.

Organizations and lawmakers that had pressed Obama to rescind the Mexico City policy were jubilant.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the move "will help save lives and empower the poorest women and families to improve their quality of life and their future."

"Today's announcement is a very powerful signal to our neighbors around the world that the United States is once again back in the business of good public policy and ideology no longer blunts our ability to save lives around the globe," said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Population Action International, an advocacy group, said that the policy had "severely impacted" women's health and that the step "will help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies, abortions and women dying from high-risk pregnancies because they don't have access to family planning."

Anti-abortion groups and lawmakers condemned Obama's decision.

"I have long supported the Mexico City Policy and believe this administration's decision to be counter to our nation's interests," said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

"Coming just one day after the 36th anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade decision, this presidential directive forces taxpayers to subsidize abortions overseas — something no American should be required by government to do," said House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio.

Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., called it "morally wrong to take the taxpayer dollars of millions of pro-life Americans to promote abortion around the world."

"President Obama not long ago told the American people that he would support policies to reduce abortions, but today he is effectively guaranteeing more abortions by funding groups that promote abortion as a method of population control," said Douglas Johnson, legislative director of the National Right to Life Committee.